Oldies Connection

Week of 23 January 2012 - Arrivals and Departures

2012-01-23T12:11:00.000-05:00

Birthdays for the week of January 23 - 29:

23 - Anita Baker, 1958; Patrick Simmons (Doobie Brothers), 1950; Bill Cunningham (The Box Tops), 1950; Anita Pointer (Pointer Sisters), 1948
24 - Aaron Neville, 1941; Ray Stevens, 1939; Neil Diamond, 1941; Warren Zevon, 1947 (died 2003)
25 - Etta James, 1938 (died 2012)
26 - David Briggs (Little River Band), 1951; Derek Holt (Climax Blues Band), 1949
27 - Seth Justman (J. Geils Band), 1951; Nick Mason (Pink Floyd), 1945
29 - Tommy Ramone (The Ramones), 1952

In remembrance of those who left us:

25 Jan 2005 - Ray Peterson
26 Jan 2011 - Gladys Horton (Marvelettes)

Did I forget anybody or make an error? If so, please let me know in the Comments.

Thank you and have a nice week!

Week of 16 January 2012 - Arrivals and Departures

2012-01-16T11:08:00.004-05:00

Birthdays for the week of January 16 - 22:

16 - Ronnie Milsap,1943; William Francis (Dr. Hook), 1942; Sonny Bono, 1935 (died 1998)
17 - Chris Montez, 1943; Mick Taylor (Rolling Stones), 1948
18 - Bobby Goldsboro, 1941; David Ruffin (Temptations), 1941 (died 1991)
19 - Harvey Hinsley (Hot Chocolate), 1948; Dewey Bunnell (America), 1952; Dolly Parton, 1946; Rod Evans (Deep Purple), 1945; Phil Everly (Everly Brothers), 1939; Janis Joplin, 1943 (died 1970); Robert Palmer, 1949 (died 2003)
20 - Paul Stanley (KISS), 1952
21 - Billy Ocean, 1950; Mac Davis, 1942; Richie Havens, 1941
22 - Steve Perry (Journey),1949; Sam Cooke, 1931 (died 1964)

In remembrance of those who left us:

17 Jan 2011 - Don Kirshner
19 Jan 1998 - Carl Perkins
19 Jan 2006 - Wilson Pickett
19 Jan 2007 - Denny Doherty
19 Jan 2008 - John Stewart
21 Jan 1984 - Jackie Wilson

Did I forget anybody? If so, please let me know in the Comments.

Thank you and have a nice week!

Week of 09 January 2012 - Arrivals and Departures

2012-01-09T12:22:00.001-05:00

Birthdays for the week of January 9 - 15:

09 - Joan Baez, 1941; Jerry Yester (Lovin' Spoonful), 1943; Jimmy Page, 1944
10 - Pat Benatar, 1953; Frank Sinatra, Jr., 1944; Rod Stewart, 1945; Cyrill Neville (Neville Brothers), 1948; Aynsley Dunbar (Jefferson Starship), 1946; Jim Croce, 1943 (died 1973)
11 - Clarence Clemons, 1942 (died 2011)
12 - Cynthia Robinson (Sly & The Family Stone), 1946); William Lee Gordon (Oak Ridge Boys), 1939
13 - Trevor Rabin (Yes), 1954

In remembrance of those who left us:

09 Jan 2009 - Jon Hager
12 Jan 2003 - Maurice Gibb
13 Jan 2010 - Teddy Pendergrass
15 Jan 1994 - Harry Nilsson

Did I forget anybody? If so, please let me know in the Comments.

Thank you and have a nice week!

Week of 02 January 2012 - Arrivals and Departures

2012-01-02T10:37:00.000-05:00

Birthdays for the week of January 2 - 8:

02 - Roger Miller, 1936 (died 1992)
03 - Steven Sills (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young), 1945; John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin), 1946
04 - Arthur Conley, 1946 (died 2003)
05 - Chris Stein (Blondie), 1950; George Brown (Kool & The Gang), 1949
06 - Kathie Sledge (Sister Sledge), 1959; Van McCoy, 1944 (died 1979)
07 - Paul Revere (Paul Revere & The Raiders), 1937; Kenny Loggins, 1948
08 - David Bowie, 1947; Robby Krieger (The Doors), 1946;
Terry Sylvester (Hollies), 1947; Elvis Presley, 1935 (died 1977)

In remembrance of those who left us:

04 Jan 2011 - Gerry Rafferty
05 Jan 1998 - Sonny Bono
06 Jan 2006 - Lou Rawls

Did I forget anybody? If so, please let me know in the Comments.

Thank you and have a nice week!

Week of 26 December 2011 - Arrivals and Departures

2011-12-26T15:14:00.001-05:00

Birthdays for the week of December 26 - January 1:

December:
26 - Phil Spector, 1940; Abdul Fakir (The Four Tops), 1935
27 - David Knopfler (Dire Straits), 1951; Larry Byrom (Steppenwolf), 1948; Mick Jones (Foreigner), 1944; Pete Quaife (The Kinks), 1943; Mike Pinder (Moody Blues), 1941
28 - Edgar Winter, 1946
29 - Yvonne Elliman, 1951; Marianne Faithfull, 1946; Ray Thomas (Moody Blues), 1941
30 - Jeff Lynne (ELO and Traveling Wilburys), 1947; Patti Smith, 1946; Davy Jones (The Monkees), 1945; Michael Nesmith (The Monkees), 1942; Bo Diddley, 1928 (died 2008); Del Shannon, 1939 (died 1990)
31 - George Thorogood, 1952; Tom Hamilton (Aerosmith), 1951; Donna Summer, 1948; Burton Cummings (The Guess Who), 1947; Patti Smith, 1946; Andy Summers (The Police), 1942; John Denver, 1943 (died 1997)

January:
01 - Clay Cole, 1938 (died 2010)

In remembrance of those who left us:

27 Dec 2008 - Delaney Bramlett
28 Dec 1983 - Dennis Wilson
28 Dec 2005 - Barry Cowsill*
31 Dec 1985 - Ricky Nelson
*Note - The exact date of death for Barry Cowsill is unknown. Cowsill perished in New Orleans during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and his remains were recovered on 12/28/2005 and identified through dental records on 01/04/2006

Did I forget anybody? If so, please let me know in the Comments.

Thank you and have a nice week!

Week of 19 December 2011 - Arrivals and Departures

2011-12-19T13:49:00.000-05:00

Birthdays for the week of December 19 - 25:

19 - John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), 1945; Zal Yanovky (Lovin' Spoonful), 1944; Maurice White (Earth, Wind & Fire), 1941
20 - Peter Criss (KISS), 1945; Bobby Colomby (Blood, Sweat & Tears), 1944
21 - Carl Wilson, 1946 (died 1998); Frank Zappa, 1940 (died 1993)
22 - Rick Nielson (Cheap Trick), 1946; Barry Jenkins (Animals), 1944; Robin Gibb (Bee Gees), 1949; Maurice Gibb (Bee Gees), 1949 (died 2003)
23 - Bruce Hornsby, 1955; Jorma Kaukonen (Jefferson Airplane), 1940
24 - Ian Burden (Human League), 1957
25 - Annie Lennox, 1954; Barbara Mandrell (1948; Jimmy Buffet, 1946

In remembrance of those who left us:

20 Dec 1973 - Bobby Darin
25 Dec 2006 - James Brown
25 Dec 2008 - Eartha Kitt

Did I forget anybody? If so, please let me know in the Comments.

Thank you and have a nice week!

Week of 12 December 2011 - Arrivals and Departures

2011-12-12T11:39:00.000-05:00

Birthdays for the week of December 12 - 18:

12 - Paul Rodgers (Bad Company), 1949; Clive Bunker (Jethro Tull), 1946; Dickey Betts (Allman Brothers Band), 1943; Dionne Warwick, 1940; Connie Francis, 1938; Bruce Kulick (KISS), 1953; Charlie Rich, 1932 (died 1995)
13 - Berton Averre (The Knack), 1954; Randy Owen (Alabama), 1949
15 - Dave Clark (Dave Clark Five), 1942; Cindy Birdsong (The Supremes), 1939
16 - Benny Anderson (ABBA), 1946; Tony Hicks (The Hollies), 1943
17 - Art Neville (Neville Brothers), 1937; Eddie Kendricks, 1939 (died 1992)
18 - Keith Richards (Rolling Stones), 1943

In remembrance of those who left us:

12 Dec - Ike Turner (2007)
16 Dec - Nicolette Larson (1997)
16 Dec - Dan Fogelberg (2007)
18 Dec - Clay Cole (2010)

Did I forget anybody? If so, please let me know in the Comments.

Thank you and have a nice week!

More Artists Announced for 7th Annual Andy Kim Christmas Show

2011-12-11T16:41:00.002-05:00

Several artists have been added to the 7th annual Andy Kim Christmas Show since my original post about the event on November 4 (Oldies Connection: Artists Announced for 7th Annual Andy Kim Christmas Show). As of this writing, there are the artists scheduled to appear along with Andy:

Sam Roberts
Lights
Ron Sexsmith
Alex Lifeson from Rush
Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning from Broken Social Scene
Arkells
Members of Finger Eleven
Sarah Harmer
BUCK65
Emma-Lee
Honeymoon Suite
Dru
Sean Cullen

This year, proceeds from the event will go to Julliette's Place, a refuge for abused women and their children.

Venue website and address:
The Phoenix Concert Theatre
410 Sherbourne Street
Toronto, ON M4X 1K2
Canada

Tix can be purchased at Ticketweb and other outlets listed in my original post.

A few videos for entertainment and enlightenment follow.

From Canada AM (December 8, 2011):
Full segment - Andy Kim performs "Whatever Happened to Christmas," then chats with the hosts about the Christmas Show
Clip - Andy Kim performs "Whatever Happened to Christmas"
Clip - Andy Kim sings "Baby, I Love You" to an adorable young admirer (trust me, this is a must-watch!)

Andy Kim talks about the Christmas concert in this video fromThe Morning Show (Global TV, Toronto), December 5, 2011:

(Below) Andy Kim performs "Happen Again" at the CNE bandshell in Toronto on September 3, 2011:

(Top of post) Andy Kim performing in Clearwater, Florida in October 2008. Photo credit: Laura Pinto

Week of 05 December 2011 - Arrivals and Departures

2011-12-05T12:41:00.000-05:00

Birthdays for the week of December 5 - 11:

05 - Andy Kim, 1952; 'Little' Richard Penniman, 1932; Jim Messina, 1947
06 - Mike Smith (Dave Clark Five), 1943 (died 2008)
07 - Harry Chapin, 1942 (died 1981)
08 - Jerry Butler, 1939; Gregg Allman, 1947; Bobby Elliot (The Hollies), 1942
09 - Donny Osmond, 1957; Randy Murray (BTO), 1955; Walter Orange (The Commodores), 1946
11 - Jermaine Jackson (The Jacksons), 1954; Brenda Lee, 1944; David Gates (Bread), 1940

In remembrance of those who left us:

06 Dec 1988 - Roy Orbison
07 Dec 2008 - Dennis Yost (Classics IV)
08 Dec 1980 - John Lennon
10 Dec 1967 - Otis Redding
11 Dec 1964 - Sam Cooke

Did I forget anybody? If so, please let me know in the Comments.

Thank you and have a nice week!

Week of 28 November 2011 - Arrivals and Departures

2011-11-28T13:22:00.001-05:00

Birthdays for the week of November 28 - December 4:

28 - Paul Shaffer, 1949; Beeb Birtles (Little River Band), 1948; Randy Newman, 1943
29 - Barry Goudreau (Boston), 1951; Chuck Mangione, 1940; Denny Doherty (Mamas & Papas), 1941 (died 2007)
30 - Dick Clark, 1929; Billy Idol, 1955; George McArdale (Little River Band), 1954; Paul Stookey (Peter, Paul & Mary), 1937; June Pointer (Pointer Sisters), 1953 (died 2006)

December:
01 - Gilbert O'Sullivan, 1955; Bette Midler, 1945; John Densmore (The Doors), 1944; Eric Bloom (Blue Oyster Cult), 1944; Lou Rawls, 1935 (died 2006)
02 - Michael McDonald, 1952
04 - Dennis Wilson, 1944 (died 1983)

In remembrance of those who left us:

29 Nov 2001 - George Harrison
30 Nov 1996 - Tiny Tim (Herbert Khaury)
04 Dec 1993 - Frank Zappa

Did I forget anybody? If so, please let me know in the Comments.

Thank you and have a nice week!

Week of 21 November 2011 - Arrivals and Departures

2011-11-21T12:48:00.000-05:00

Birthdays for the week of November 21 - 27:

21 - Lonnie Jordan (War), 1948; Dr. John, 1940
22 - Little Steven Van Zandt (E Street Band), 1950; Rod Price (Foghat), 1947 (died 2005)
24 - Clement Burke (Blondie), 1955; Pete Best (Beatles),1941; Bev Bevan (ELO), 1945
25 - Percy Sledge, 1940
26 - Tina Turner, 1939; Jean Terrell (Supremes), 1944;
John McVie (Fleetwood Mac), 1945
27 - Eddie Rabbitt, 1941 (died 1998); Jimi Hendrix, 1942 (died 1970)

In remembrance of those who left us:

23 Nov 1994 - Tommy Boyce
24 Nov 1991 - Eric Carr (KISS)
24 Nov 1991 - Freddie Mercury
27 Nov 2009 - Al Alberts

Did I forget anybody? If so, please let me know in the Comments.

Thank you and have a nice week!

Week of 14 November 2011 - Arrivals and Departures

2011-11-14T14:52:00.000-05:00

Birthdays for the week of November 14 - 20:

14 - Steven Bishop, 1951; James Young (STYX), 1948; Freddie Garrity (Freddie and the Dreamers), 1940 (died 2006)
15 - Steve Fossen (Heart), 1949; Anni-Frid Lyngstad (Frida from ABBA), 1945; Petula Clark, 1932
17 - Bob Gaudio (Four Seasons), 1942; Gordon Lightfoot, 1938
18 - John McFee (Doobie Brothers), 1953; Graham Parker, 1950
20 - Joe Walsh (Eagles),1947; George Grantham (Poco), 1947

In remembrance of those who left us:

17 Nov - Arthur Conley (2003)

Did I forget anybody? If so, please let me know in the Comments.

Thank you and have a nice week!

Week of 07 November 2011 - Arrivals and Departures

2011-11-07T13:03:00.000-05:00

Birthdays for the week of November 7 - 13:

07 - Joni Mitchell, 1943; Johnny Rivers, 1942
08 - Leif Garrett, 1961; Bonnie Raitt, 1949; Roy Wood (ELO), 1946; Minnie Riperton, 1947 (died 1979); Don Murray (Turtles),1945 (died 1996)
09 - Mary Travers (Peter, Paul & Mary), 1936 (died 2009); Tom Fogerty (CCR),1941 (died 1990)
10 - Ronnie Hammond (Atlanta Rhythm Section), 1950;
Donna Fargo, 1949; Greg Lake (Emerson, Lake & Palmer), 1948; Dave Loggins, 1947
11 - LaVerne Baker, 1929 (died 1997)
12 - Leslie McKeown (Bay City Rollers), 1955; Donald Roeser (Blue Oyster Cult) 1947; Arthur Tavares (Tavares), 1946; Neil Young, 1945

In remembrance of those who left us:

09 Nov 2008 - Miriam Makeba

Did I forget anybody? If so, please let me know in the Comments.

Thank you and have a nice week!

Artists Announced for 7th Annual Andy Kim Christmas Show

2011-11-04T14:56:00.000-04:00

TORONTO -- The 7th annual Andy Kim Christmas Show is taking place on 14 December 2011 at the Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto. Doors open at 7:00pm, show starts at 8:00pm. Must be 19 or over to be admitted; ID required.

Andy Kim has been a pop music superstar ever since the late 1960s, when the teenager from Montreal enjoyed a string of hits ("How'd We Ever Get This Way," "Baby, I Love You," "Be My Baby," and others) on Jeff Barry's Steed Records, prior to having a #1 international hit with "Rock Me Gently" in 1974. In addition, along with Barry, Kim penned the multi-million-selling "Sugar, Sugar" in 1969, which earned The Archies a gold record and became RIAA Record of the Year. Kim's first studio album in twenty years, Happen Again, was released in 2011.

The Andy Kim Christmas Show has become an annual tradition in the city of Toronto, with all proceeds from the event going to charity. Artists who have appeared in the past include the Barenaked Ladies, Ohbijou, Serena Ryder, Gowan, Jully Black & Raine Maida of Our Lady Peace. This year, the performers are: Ron Sexsmith, Alex Lifeson, Kevin Drew & Brendan Canning of Broken Social Scene and comedian Sean Cullen.

Venue website and address:
The Phoenix Concert Theatre
410 Sherbourne Street
Toronto, ON M4X 1K2
Canada

Tickets can be purchased via Ticketweb, LiveNation, Rotate This, Soundscapes, or by calling 1-800-222-6608.

If the previous years' concerts are an indication, this promises to be an exciting, fun, and magical night!

(Top of post) Andy Kim performing in Clearwater, Florida in October 2008. Photo credit: Laura Pinto

Week of 31 October 2011 - Arrivals and Departures

2011-11-01T11:56:00.003-04:00

Birthdays for the week of October 31 - November 6:

October:
31 - Tom Paxton, 1937; Russ Ballard (Argent), 1947

November:
01 - David Foster, 1949; Ronald Bell (Kool & the Gang), 1951; Chris Morris (Paper Lace), 1954; Dan Peek (America), 1950 (died 2011)
02 - Keith Emerson, 1944; Maxine Nightingale, 1949; Dave Pegg (Jethro Tull), 1947; J.D. Souther, 1945
03 - Lulu, 1948
04 - Delbert McClinton, 1940
05 - Peter Noone, 1947; Art Garfunkel, 1941; Don McDougall (Guess Who), 1948; Gram Parsons, 1946 (died 1973); Ike Turner, 1931 (died 2007)
06 - Glenn Frey (The Eagles), 1948

In remembrance of those who left us:

05 Nov 2003 - Bobby Hatfield

Did I forget anybody? If so, please let me know in the Comments.

Thank you and have a nice week!

Book Recommendation: Where Have All the Pop Stars Gone?

2011-10-28T14:20:00.001-04:00

DAVIS, CALIF., U.S.A. -- A singer-songwriter who had been a member of America’s most successful and influential musical group of the late 1950s and early ’60s and wrote one of the biggest-selling songs of the 1960s revealed late in his life that he was bipolar. One ’60s era singer who initially established himself as a rock-and-roller before re-emerging as a smooth balladeer recently divulged a secret that not even his mother knew: as a youth, he had spent a night in jail. Another popular teenage heartthrob who amassed 38 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 in the 1960s hired a then-obscure backup piano player by the name of Elston Gunnn (with three n’s) -- who later became known to the world as Bob Dylan. The guitarist for a record-breaking American band who severed part of his thumb in later life while building a boat was able to resume performing by switching to bass guitar. After the breakup of one of the most revered “British invasion” groups, its financially struggling lead singer reluctantly took a job with an insurance brokerage, then re-emerged as a singer under a different name before finally reverting to the name by which his fans knew him.

That's the first paragraph of the official press release for Where Have All the Pop Stars Gone? -- Volume 1, published in July of 2011. Written by Marti Smiley Childs and Jeff March, Where Have All the Pop Stars Gone? -- Volume 1 is a treasure trove of information on twenty-six artists from the 1950s and 1960s, catching up on the lives and careers of Bobby Vee, Chris Montez, and members of The Kingston Trio, The Spiral Starecase, Herman's Hermits, The Association, and The Zombies. Loaded with information and filled with quotes from most of the principals (including several who are no longer with us), the book is an entertaining read as well as an educational one. As of this writing, seven out of the seven reviews on Amazon.com gave the book a five-star rating.

To read more about Where Have All the Pop Stars Gone? -- Volume 1, including the rest of the press release, please visit Oldies Connection. Highly recommended for fans of the music from rock and roll's golden era.

Week of 24 October 2011 - Arrivals and Departures

2011-10-24T11:28:00.002-04:00

Birthdays for the week of October 24 - 30:

24 - Bill Wyman (Rolling Stones), 1936; Ted Templeman (Harper's Bizarre), 1944; J.P. Richardson (The Big Bopper), 1930 (died 1959)
25 - Helen Reddy, 1941; Jon Anderson (Yes), 1944; John Hall (Orleans), 1947
26 - Keith Hopwood (Herman's Hermits), 1946
27 - Simon LeBon (Duran Duran), 1958; Byron Allred (Steve Miller Band), 1949; Garry Tallent (E Street Band), 1949; Lee Greenwood, 1942
28 - Thelma Hopkins (Dawn), 1948; Charlie Daniels, 1936; Wayne Fontana, 1940; Curtis Lee, 1941

29 - David Brigati (The Starliters), 1940; Peter Green (Fleetwood Mac), 1946; Leon Redbone, 1929;
Denny Laine (Wings), 1944; Randy Jackson (The Jacksons), 1961
30 - David Green (Air Supply), 1949; Timothy B.Schmidt (The Eagles), 1947; Otis Williams (The Temptations), 1949; Grace Slick (Jefferson Starship), 1939

In remembrance of those who left us:

25 Oct 1992 - Roger Miller
29 Oct 1971 - Duane Allman

Did I forget anybody? If so, please let me know in the Comments.

Thank you and have a nice week!

Week of 17 October 2011 - Arrivals and Departures

2011-10-17T14:49:00.004-04:00

Birthdays for the week of October 17 - 23:

17 - Jim Seals (Seals & Crofts), 1941; Gary Puckett, 1942
18 - Chuck Berry, 1926
20 - Tom Petty, 1953
21 - Eric Faulkner (Bay City Rollers), 1955; Manfred Mann, 1940
22 - Annette Funicello - 1942; Eddie Brigati (The Rascals), 1946
23 - 'Weird' Al Yankovic, 1959

In remembrance of those who left us:

17 Oct 2008 - Levi Stubbs
18 Oct 2008 - Dee Dee Warwick

Did I forget anybody? If so, please let me know in the Comments.

Thank you and have a nice week!

Week of 10 October 2011 - Arrivals and Departures

2011-10-11T10:52:00.001-04:00

Birthdays for the week of October 10 - 16:

11 - Darryl Hall (Hall & Oates), 1949
12 - Sam Moore (Sam & Dave), 1935
13 - Marie Osmond, 1959; Robert Lamm (Chicago), 1944; Paul Simon, 1941
14 - Justin Hayward (Moody Blues), 1946; Cliff Richard, 1940
15 - Tito Jackson (The Jacksons), 1953; Richard Carpenter (The Carpenters), 1946
16 - Bob Weir (Grateful Dead), 1947

In remembrance of those who left us:

10 Oct 2010 - Solomon Burke
12 Oct 1997 - John Denver
12 Oct 1971 - Gene Vincent
13 Oct 2009 - Al Martino
14 Oct 2006 - Freddie Fender

Did I forget anybody? If so, please let me know in the Comments.

Thank you and have a nice week!

Release Party for Lost Pets 2 - Mark Wirtz

2011-10-06T15:48:00.000-04:00

Mark Wirtz is going to be the guest of honor at a release party for his new CD, Lost Pets 2, at Rock and Roll Heaven in Orlando, Florida. This will take place on Saturday, October 8, 2011, beginning at 12:00 noon. Mark will be meeting and greeting fans and signing autographs. If you live in the area (or even if you don't), here's a rare opportunity to rub elbows with the artist himself. Be there or be square!

Week of 03 October 2011 - Arrivals and Departures

2011-10-03T20:08:00.001-04:00

Birthdays for the week of October 3 - 9:

03 - Lindsey Buckingham (Fleetwood Mac),1951; Chubby Checker, 1941; Eddie Cochran, 1938 (died 1960)
05 - Bob Geldof, 1954; Steve Miller, 1943; Richard Street (The Temptations), 1942
07 - John Mellencamp, 1951; David Hope (Kansas), 1949
09 - Jackson Browne, 1948; John Lennon, 1940 (died 1980); John Entwistle, 1944 (died 2002)

In remembrance of those who left us:

04 Oct 1970 - Janis Joplin
05 Oct 1992 - Eddie Kendricks

Did I forget anybody? If so, please let me know in the Comments.

Thank you and have a nice week!

Mark Wirtz - Lost Pets 2

2011-09-27T14:52:00.012-04:00

Today, 27 September 2011, is the official release date in America for the newest CD by singer/songwriter/producer Mark Wirtz, entitled Lost Pets 2. All of the baker's dozen tracks were composed or co-composed by the artist, and LP2 is a collection that has "hit" written all over it, from the rocking, rollicking title cut "Lost Pets (Loose Ends)" to the wistful "I Need to Fall In Love" (co-written by Jim David, the son of legendary Brill Building composer Hal David, and "Elusive Butterfly" composer/singer Bob Lind); from the energetic, electric-guitar-laden "Sindee" to the excruciatingly romantic "For Just You."

Mark Wirtz first came to prominence during the 1960s, after he moved from his native Germany to London, became an Englishman, and began working at the fabled Abbey Road Studios (then called EMI Studios) alongside Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick. By 1966 Wirtz had written, produced and arranged "A Touch of Velvet - A Sting of Brass" which was released under the name Mood Mosaic and subsequently became the signature tune of Radio Caroline's deejay Dave Lee Travis. In 1967, Keith West recorded "Excerpt From a Teenage Opera (Grocer Jack)," which he co-wrote along with Wirtz and which Wirtz produced and arranged. These two songs remain among Wirtz's most well known efforts; but they are far from his only efforts. With the exception of some fifteen years away from the music business while raising his daughter as a single parent during the '80s and '90s, Mark Wirtz has been a working arranger, producer, songwriter and singer ever since he first set foot in EMI Studios (which, as it happens, was on the same day in 1962 when The Beatles were auditioning for George Martin). During the last several years, Wirtz has realized a long-held dream by adding stand-up comedy work to his list of accomplishments.

In the late 1970s, Mark Wirtz began work on an album, Lost Pets, but the project was abandoned when two of his band-mates, Jeff Poccaro and David Hungate, departed to record and tour with their newly successful group, Toto. Tracks from the "lost" Lost Pets album were subsequently released on two CDs: Kitschinsync: The Hollywood Years, Vol. 1 - 1971-82 and Dreamer of Glass Beach: The Hollywood Years, Vol. 2 - 1971-82. A few years later, in 2005, Wirtz released the delightful collection Love Is Eggshaped. The most recent Wirtz release up to now had been Wirtz and Music, which is a reissue of Maestro Wirtz's albums, Latin A Go-Go and Smooth and Easy. Lost Pets 2 brings Wirtz full circle, in a sense; for, as Wirtz points out on the CD booklet: "Only by returning to where we lost ourselves can we hope to find ourselves again."

Week of 26 September 2011 - Arrivals and Departures

2011-09-26T11:28:00.001-04:00

Birthdays for the week of September 26 - October 2:

26 - Craig Chaquico (Jefferson Starship), 1954; Olivia Newton-John, 1948; Bryan Ferry, 1945; Lynn Anderson, 1947
27 - Meatloaf, 1947; Randy Bachman (BTO / Guess Who), 1943
28 - Nick St. Nicholas (Steppenwolf), 1943
29 - Mark Farner (Grand Funk Railroad), 1948; Mike Pinera (Iron Butterfly), 1948; Jerry Lee Lewis, 1935; Tommy Boyce (Boyce & Hart), 1939 (died 1994)
30 - Marilyn McCoo (5th Dimension), 1943; Johnny Mathis, 1935; Cissy Houston, 1933; Frankie Lymon, 1942 (died 1968); Marc Bolan, 1947 (died 1977)
02 Oct - Sting, 1951; Don McLean, 1945

In remembrance of those who left us:

26 Sep 2003 - Robert Palmer
27 Sep 1979 - Jimmy McCulloch (Wings)

Did I forget anybody? If so, please let me know in the Comments.

Thank you and have a nice week!

Week of 19 September 2011 - Arrivals and Departures

2011-09-19T11:56:00.001-04:00

Birthdays for the week of September 19 - 25:

19 - Lol Creme (10cc), 1947; Bill Medley (Righteous Brothers), 1940; "Mama" Cass Elliot, 1941 (died 1974); Otis Redding, 1941 (died 1967); Brook Benton, 1931 (died 1988)
21 - Don Felder (The Eagles), 1947
22 - Joan Jett, 1960; Debby Boone, 1956
23 - Bruce Springsteen, 1949; Julio Iglesias, 1943; Ben E. King, 1938; Ron Bushy (Iron Butterfly), 1945; Ray Charles, 1930 (died 2004)
24 - Gerry Marsden (Gerry and the Pacemakers), 1942; Linda McCartney, 1941 (died 1998)
25 - Dee Dee Warwick, 1945 (died 1998)

In remembrance of those who left us:

19 Sep 1973 - Gram Parsons
19 Sep 2009 - Arthur Ferrante
20 Sep 1973 - Jim Croce
25 Sep 1980 - John Bonham (Led Zeppelin)

Did I forget anybody? If so, please let me know in the Comments.

Thank you and have a nice week!

Arrivals and Departures - Week of September 12. 2011

2011-09-12T13:08:00.001-04:00

Birthdays for the week of September 12 - 18:

12 - Gerry Beckley (America), 1952; George Jones, 1931; Barry White, 1944 (died 2003)
13 - Peter Cetera, 1944; David Clayton Thomas (Blood Sweat & Tears), 1941; Dave Quincy (Manfred Mann's Earth Band), 1939
14 - John 'Bowzer' Bauman (Sha Na Na), 1947
15 - Lee Dorman (Iron Butterfly), 1945
16 - Bernard Calvert (the Hollies), 1943; B.B. King, 1925; Kenny Jones (The Who), 1948
17 - LaMonte McLemore (the 5th Dimension), 1940
18 - Kerry Livgren (Kansas), 1949; Frankie Avalon, 1940

In remembrance of those who left us:

12 Sep 2003 - Johnny Cash
15 Sep 2008 - Rick Wright (Pink Floyd)
16 Sep 1977 - Marc Bolan
16 Sep 2009 - Mary Travers (Peter, Paul & Mary)
18 Sep 1970 - Jimi Hendrix

Did I forget anybody? If so, please let me know in the Comments.

Thank you and have a nice week!

Jerry Leiber, R.I.P.

2011-09-03T11:03:00.001-04:00

On August 22, 2011, the voice of Jerry Leiber was stilled forever. Yet, although Mr. Leiber was a legend in the world of music, it was not his voice for which he was best known, but his words. Jerry Leiber (on the left in the book cover graphic above) was the lyrics half of the legendary songwriting team Leiber and Stoller. Even those unfamiliar with either name are surely familiar with their music, with the possible exception of those who have been hiding under a rock for the last sixty years.

Actually, it was sixty-one years ago, to be exact, when the 17-year-old Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller first met. Within just a few years, the partners already had a couple of hits under their composers' belt, most notably "Kansas City" (aka "K.C. Loving") and "Hound Dog," by Wilbert Harrison and Big Mama Thornton, respectively. Before the decade was over, the Leiber and Stoller team would pen a number of songs that would go on to become classics, for groups such as The Drifters ("Fools Fall In Love"), The Coasters ("Charlie Brown," "Poison Ivy," "Yakety Yak"), and The Cheers ("Black Denim Trousers and Motorcycle Boots"). They also wrote several tunes for Elvis Presley after Presley made their "Hound Dog" one of his earliest hits (Presley's version was based on that of Freddie Bell, who'd changed a few of its lyrics for his own recording of it in 1955; by all accounts, Leiber was not pleased with the revised lyrics). Among the Leiber/Stoller tunes that became hits for Elvis were "Loving You," "Jailhouse Rock," and "Don't."

During the 1950s and 1960s, it was impossible to turn on the radio without hearing a Leiber/Stoller song. Yet it didn't end there. Over the course of their partnership, which lasted from their initial meeting in 1950 until the day Leiber passed away, the duo gave the world an enduring catalog of songs, songs that are still widely broadcast and performed. As record-label owners and producers, they had their talented hands in many other hits as well, including several by The Dixie Cups ("Chapel of Love;" "Iko Iko") and Jay and The Americans ("She Cried").

Jerry Leiber, along with Mike Stoller, was the recipient of a number of awards and honors during his lifetime, including the duo's induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (1985); the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1987); the National Academy of Songwriters Lifetime Achievement Award (1996); and the NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences) Trustees Award (1999).

In 1995, a musical revue, Smokey Joe's Cafe, showcasing the songs of Leiber and Stoller, opened on Broadway, where it ran for more than 2,000 performances. Smokey Joe's Cafe presented 39 Leiber/Stoller tunes with no dialogue and no unifying theme; the music was enough to make the show a hit. During its run, there were special appearances by several name artists, including Gladys Knight, Tony Orlando, and Rick Springfield. Its cast recording earned the team a Grammy Award in 1996.

In 2001, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller appeared in the A&E Network's presentation Hitmakers: The Teens Who Stole Pop Music. And, in 2009, Leiber and Stoller's autobiography, Hound Dog, written with David Ritz, was published. The video series (which includes the dedicated episode Words and Music by Leiber & Stoller in addition to the duo's appearance in the 90-minute series opener) and the book give the world an opportunity to get to know these two talented gentlemen through their own words and thoughts and first-hand observations, as do this Rolling Stone interview from 1990 and this Fresh Air audio interview on NPR from 1991.

And that isn't all there is. According to this writeup on The Guardian (UK), Leiber and Stoller had been in the process of working with writer Michael Bywater on a musical about the life of Oscar Wilde, and eleven brand-new, never-before-heard songs had already been written by the team prior to Leiber's death. Stoller and Bywater are hoping to premiere the musical in 2012. Thanks to Stoller's decision to push forward with the project, we may not have heard the last of Mr. Leiber.

Whatever else happens, though, we have an enduring legacy from the pen of Jerry Leiber, whose lyrics so brilliantly merged with Mike Stoller's music that we can hear one of their songs for the first time (if that's at all possible) and feel as though we've always known it. And who among us hasn't sung along with their great tunes? Who among us hasn't heard "Yakety Yak" and chimed in with the response "Don't talk back"? Or theatrically whined, "Why is everybody always picking on me?" in sympathy with "Charlie Brown"? How many of us don't know what's coming when we hear the opening chords of "On Broadway" or the first few bars of "Ruby Baby" or that familiar riff that starts off "Jailhouse Rock"? It doesn't matter whether or not we were even born when the songs originated; they're as much a part of our lives as the air we breathe. And thanks to people like Jerry Leiber, that air is a lot sweeter than it would have been had this man not graced the planet.

Jerry Leiber's voice may not be with us any longer, but his words will live forever.

Recommended Music:

The Leiber & Stoller Story Volume 1: Hard Times - The Los Angeles Years, 1951-1956
The Leiber & Stoller Story Volume 2: On The Horizon, 1956-1962

The Leiber & Stoller Story Volume 3: Shake 'Em Up & Let 'Em Roll, 1962-1969

Related Websites:

Jerry Leiber on Legacy.com
Leiber & Stoller official website
Leiber & Stoller Wikipedia page

Additional Writeups and Obits:

Jerry Leiber, Prolific Writer of 1950s Hits, Dies at 78 (NY Times obit)
Jerry Leiber dies at 78; lyricist in songwriting duo Leiber and Stoller (LA Times obit)
Songwriter Jerry Leiber Dies at 78 (Rolling Stone)
Some Cats Know: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Legacy of Jerry Leiber - Part I and Part II (Pop Culture Cantina)
'Master of songwriting' Jerry Leiber dies (BBC news; features audio of Peter Stoller remembering his father's longtime songwriting partner)
Jerry Leiber appreciation: A songwriter who helped change pop music (Pop & Hiss: The L.A. Times music blog)

Brian Wilson's Clearwater show was Fun, Fun, Fun!

2011-08-08T15:51:00.001-04:00

Good Vibrations: BRIAN WILSON AND COMPANY take Clearwater's Ruth Eckerd Hall by storm!

On Saturday, August 6, 2011, former Beach Boy and indisputable musical genius Brian Wilson and his band put on an electric, energetic, and fantastic 2½ hour (+) concert at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, Florida. One of the best shows I have ever had the privilege of attending, it was pure magic from start to finish.

The legendary singer/songwriter/producer epitomizes the sentiment "A man who needs no introduction," and no introduction was given. Wilson and company quietly took their places onstage in the darkness, and when the lights came up to reveal Brian Wilson, seated front-and-center at his keyboard, the ovation was roaring loud and went on for such a long time that I was surprised there was time left over for the show itself. The audience response was an indicator of how beloved this man and his music are, and an accurate predictor of the success of the concert that followed.

If I hadn't already liked Brian Wilson enormously, his first words to the sold-out crowd at Ruth Eckerd Hall would have been enough to win me over: after saying hello and then realizing that he couldn't remember which city he was in, Wilson asked the room at large for this minor detail. A band member swiftly provided the answer, since hearing the shouted replies from audience members over the din of the cheers and applause was impossible. Considering that Wilson and his ensemble had spent the past eight days playing in such diverse locations as Grand Rapids, Saint Charles, Clear Lake, Lexington, Atlanta, and Hollywood (FL) - and a Canadian tour prior to this - before arriving in Clearwater, his momentary lapse was totally understandable. (In fact, I'm surprised this sort of thing doesn't happen more often.)

Wilson's first number was "California Girls," a very fitting start considering that his group, The Beach Boys, became synonymous with The Golden State during the 1960s, enjoying hit after hit and helping to popularize the surf sounds of the era. A former child prodigy, Brian formed the genesis for the band in 1961 (this year marks their 50th anniversary). The group was signed to Capitol Records the following year. Before the decade was over, The Beach Boys had racked up twenty-seven Top Forty hits, three of which went to #1 nationally.* As its founder and main songwriter, Brian Wilson was the soul of the group, his influence still felt long after he ceased appearing with The Beach Boys and, later, started his solo career.

After singing a few more hits - "Dance Dance Dance," "Catch a Wave," and "Wendy" - Wilson playfully led the audience in a singalong to "Row, Row, Row Your Boat." After a couple of lighthearted rounds of the tune, the formal set list continued on with ace guitarist and musical director Jeffrey Foskett starting off a duet with Wilson on "Then I Kissed Her." A few songs after this, Foskett took the lead on "Don't Worry Baby."** A star in his own right, as is the case with many of the members of Brian Wilson's Band, the hugely talented Foskett has worked alongside Brian Wilson for many years; his wonderful tenor is a perfect complement to Wilson's.

Several songs later, it was time for another key band member, Darian Sahanaja, to take over the lead vocal on "Darlin'" - which he delivered brilliantly in a pleasing, crystalline tenor. Two numbers ("Do It Again" and "I Get Around") later, there was a twenty-minute intermission, followed by set #2.

The second set began with several cuts from Wilson's CD, Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin, which pays tribute to the legendary composer George Gershwin. The selection kicked off with some fantastic vocal stylizations to "Rhapsody in Blue," followed by "Summertime," a cool instrumental version of "I Got Plenty O' Nuttin'," the sweet "They Can't Take That Away From Me" and the rocking "I Got Rhythm," concluding with the heretofore-unfinished Gershwin song "Nothing But Love." (The "finishers" of "Nothing But Love" for the album project were Wilson and band member Scott Bennett.)

Bennett would demonstrate his own great vocal chops on "Sail On Sailor" a couple of songs later, after which the band performed the instrumental "Pet Sounds." "Sloop John B" immediately followed, then Foskett took another lead vocal turn on "Wouldn't It Be Nice." Unsurprisingly, Wilson finished the set with the song that is arguably his best known and that with which he is most identified - "Good Vibrations." Wilson and the entire band acknowledged the thunderous applause and standing ovation from the audience before leaving the stage, only to come back a few minutes later, one at a time, as Foskett introduced the band members, Sahanaja introduced Foskett, and Wilson returned for a five-song encore that would include "Johnny B. Goode," "Barbara Ann," and "Surfin' USA." The show concluded with a second encore, "All Summer Long." Counting the encores (as they must be), Brian Wilson and his band performed more than thirty Beach Boys classics, and roughly forty songs all told.

During the entire concert, from start to finish, the energy in the 2,180-seat room was incredible. Brian Wilson unquestionably demonstrated the reasons for his legendary status and critical acclaim to the Tampa Bay area that night. It is my hope that the concert will be made available on DVD. And the Brian Wilson organization may consider this my formal request - or, more accurately, my impassioned plea.

Notes:

*Reference: The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits by Joel Whitburn (6th edition, 1996)

**The set lists for Brian Wilson's show are available for viewing on the Tour page of his official website; therefore, I did not bother to enumerate every song in my text. I encourage readers of my blog and visitors to my site to visit the artists' websites.

Photo at top of piece: Me (Laura Pinto) with Brian Wilson, 06 August 2011, pre-show

Music:

Brian Wilson
Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin
Smile
That Lucky Old Sun

The Beach Boys
Sounds of Summer: Very Best of The Beach Boys
Beach Boys - 20 Good Vibrations, The Greatest Hits (Volume 1)
Beach Boys - The Greatest Hits Vol. 2: 20 More Good Vibrations
Pet Sounds

New Music by Robin McNamara!

2011-07-16T14:00:00.000-04:00

Check out the cool new single by the ol' hippie himself, Robin McNamara! Robin, who first came to prominence in 1969 as a cast member of the original Broadway production of Hair, and the following year as the writer/singer of the Top Twenty hit "Lay a Little Lovin' On Me," has just released a 10-track album called Stuck in The 60's. This song, "The Prophet and The King," is an ode to John Lennon and Elvis Presley. Please click on Robin's name above to visit his website for details, and a few words from Robin!

Rob Grill - R.I.P.

2011-07-12T17:18:00.001-04:00

Very sad to report that Rob Grill of The Grass Roots has passed away in Florida at the age of 67. Rob, who was born Robert Frank Grill on November 30, 1943, had been with the band since its inception in 1967 and, more recently, was making "special appearances" with the group as part of the Happy Together Tour. Rob had been in a coma since suffering a fall a few weeks earlier.

More information can be found on Spinner.com and the Orlando Sentinel website.

Music:

The Grass Roots - All Time Greatest Hits

20th Century Masters: Millennium Collection

Clay Cole, 1938-2010

2010-12-19T00:06:00.002-05:00

It is with sadness that I report the passing of another one of the greats of the rock and roll era. Clay Cole, born Albert Rucker, Jr. on January 1, 1938, has passed away at the age of 72. Clay apparently succumbed to a heart attack at his North Carolina home on December 18, 2010, just a couple of weeks prior to his 73rd birthday.

Clay was a television host, disc jockey, emcee, writer, producer, movie star, and author. He was best known for his eponymous TV show, which aired in the New York City area from 1959 to 1968. Clay's youthful enthusiasm helped to make the rock and roll dance show a success. When the winds of musical change began blowing in the late 1960's, Clay resigned from the show and started focusing more on behind-the-scenes work such as writing and producing. In 2009, his memoir Sh-Boom!: The Explosion of Rock 'n' Roll (1953-1968) was released, and Clay spent much of late 2009 and early 2010 promoting the book via TV, radio and personal appearances and book signings. In October, Clay was a recipient of the Friends of Old Time Radio Award at the 2009 Friends of Old Time Radio Convention in Newark, NJ. During the past year, Clay was the master of ceremonies at several oldies concerts, and he was one of some 100 stars who participated in the National Rock & Roll Fan Fest (Rock Con) at the Sheraton Meadowlands in East Rutherford, NJ from July 30 to August 1, 2010. More information on Clay's stellar career can be found on his official website as well as on the Clay Cole Wikipedia page.

Watch for a special tribute on the Jersey Girls Sing website, run by Clay's dear friends Denise Ferri, Bernadette Carroll, and Ronnie Allen. Also, please be sure to sign the petition to get Clay inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an honor he truly deserves for all of his efforts over the years in promoting the great music of rock's golden era.

Rest in peace, Clay, and thanks for the years of music and memories and great times. Yes, you really were something.

New CD release by Ron Dante of The Archies

2010-06-07T22:24:00.000-04:00

The newest CD by Ron Dante, lead singer of The Archies ("Sugar, Sugar") and The Cuff Links ("Tracy") as well as producer extraordinaire (Barry Manilow, Cher, Pat Benatar), is actually an enhanced version of some old Favorites - but what an enhancement it's turning out to be! Fans of the handsome, talented and eternally youthful singer are going to be delighted with this latest offering, scheduled for release on June 15, 2010. Favorites will feature twenty (count 'em!) tracks, combining most of those originally released on the CD's previous incarnation with a hefty helping of bonus cuts including some never-before-released gems, like remakes of the Elvis hit "That's Alright, Mama" and Bo Donaldson & The Heywoods' "Billy, Don't Be a Hero."

Ron Dante is a gifted singer who manages to make every song he records his own while still remaining faithful to the original - a tricky feat that not every vocalist can pull off. But, then, we must keep in mind that Ron's early days in the music biz were spent at the legendary Brill Building in New York City, working with such heavyweights as Don Kirshner and Jeff Barry, and rubbing elbows with the likes of Carole King, Jerry Lieber, Mike Stoller, Ellie Greenwich, and Neil Sedaka. We must also keep in mind that Ron managed to have two Top-Ten hits at the same time ("Sugar, Sugar" and "Tracy," in 1969) while few people outside the hallowed hallways of the Broadway music palaces knew that it was Ron doing the singing on those records! Ron's anonymity continued even as "Sugar" went on to sell six million units, becoming the RIAA Record of the Year and earning a gold disc; fortunately, once Ron stepped out from behind the scenes, releasing his first solo album, Let Me Bring You Up, in 1970, he was never to disappear into the shadows again. (To read more about Ron's incredible career, check out his official website, rondante.com, as well as Laura's Ron Dante Fan Pages.)

Ron's had quite a few solo album releases over the years, including a fair number within the past decade. His voice still sounds as strong and youthful as ever. The original version of Favorites was released in early 2000 and is now out of print, and rare enough to sell for around the $75.00 mark when and if a copy can be found. Happily, now we can all enjoy Ron Dante's Favorites for a fraction of that amount! Click on the graphic above to reserve your copy on Amazon.com.

The official front and back covers appear below.

Andy Kim: Happen Again (CD Review)

2010-04-18T19:37:00.003-04:00

Hunky singer-songwriter Andy Kim, who rose to fame during the late 60's and early 70's with hits such as "How'd We Ever Get This Way," "So Good Together," "Baby, I Love You," "Be My Baby" and "Rock Me Gently" (as well as The Archies' "Sugar, Sugar," which he co-wrote with Jeff Barry), has just released his first new album in more than two decades. Happen Again is proof that great artists, like fine wines, only improve with time. The Canadian-born tunesmith, whose movie-star good looks are still very much in evidence, is in the process of rehearsing for a concert tour of his native country. During the past few weeks, Kim has been doing a fair number of radio, periodical, and web interviews and making personal appearances to promote both the CD and the tour.

On March 30th, the day Happen Again was officially released, Andy Kim and his band put on a great 45-minute performance in the lobby of the AM740 (Zoomer Radio) studios in Toronto, Ontario. The video was streamed live via the Internet and is now available for viewing on the radio station's website. Just head on over to Zoomer Radio's On-Demand page, where you will see a video screen and, to its immediate right, a vertical column of circular graphics. Click on the one that reads The New AM 740 (second one from the top); this brings up a list of available videos, in alphabetical order. Andy Kim's is the first one listed. Click on it, and the video will begin playing on the screen. Relax, enjoy, sing along if you know the words, and hear the magic for yourself. Live and unedited, this concert and interview illustrate beyond a doubt that the man, whom many of his admirers refer to as The Voice, has lost neither his chops nor his talent.

Below is my review of the Happen Again CD, which appears both on Oldies Connection and my Andy Kim Fan Page, in its entirety. A track-by-track review I wrote prior to the CD's wide release can be found on the product page on Amazon Canada, under the heading "Andy Kim Makes it Happen Again."

From Oldies Connection:

Released in March of 2010, singer-songwriter Andy Kim's first new album in more than twenty years makes fans all over the world happy again

Imagine, just for a moment, that you are Andy Kim.

Make believe that you are a singer/songwriter who left your native Montreal as a teenager in the mid-60s, traveling to New York City where you met your musical idol, Jeff Barry; teamed up with him to record several Top 40 hits ("How'd We Ever Get This Way," "Baby, I Love You," "Be My Baby") for his record label and to write a song that would sell in the millions, and become Record of the Year for 1969 ("Sugar, Sugar"); and composed, produced, recorded and released what would become your signature song and an international hit in 1974 ("Rock Me Gently"). Pretend that your songs and recordings endure to this day, continually being discovered by new generations of fans. And imagine that there's probably not an hour that goes by when at least one of your songs isn't playing somewhere in the world.

Now - if you were Andy Kim, what would you do to top all that?

Here's a little secret ...

The first thing you would do to top all that is to NOT try to top all that. If you were Andy Kim, you would continue to write songs in the same way you always have - from your heart and soul and mind and imagination and life and wisdom. You would continue to write songs for the same reason you always have - because songwriting, the sharing of your music and your spirit with the world, is a part of you. It's in your blood. It's in your DNA. You would do it whether or not you made a dime from it, whether or not you became famous through it. You're not setting out to record a million seller or to compose the perfect tune. Probably you're aware that, if you love the end result, there are others who will too. But this is neither your motivation for nor the source of your compulsion.

Then you'd sit down and write:

Do you feel connected
To sentimental times
Before the wall was erected,
And dreams were in their prime?

And, before you're even aware of it, forty years after your teenage self began creating hit records in New York City, you've made it happen again.

It's almost impossible not to love a song with lyrics like those, and the sentiment within those lyrics - from the title track of Andy Kim's first new album in over twenty years - is prophetic. Happen Again is proof that Andy Kim still has the same magic touch that he's always had, and that all he ever needs to do is all he's ever done - just write his songs one heartbeat at a time and let his innate talent take care of the rest. Happen Again is a work of art. It is, quite simply, magnificent.

Andy Kim's Happen Again is available from Amazon Canada. Visit Andy's official website, http://www.andykimmusic.com/, for details. Go to Andy's official MySpace page to listen to the tracks and discover for yourself the genius residing in the music and mind of this kid from Montreal. And, if you only buy one CD all year, make it this one. Yes - it's that good.

Andy Kim - Making it Happen Again

2010-03-29T20:03:00.000-04:00

Singer-songwriter Andy Kim, who's best known for hits like "Sugar, Sugar" (songwriter), "Baby, I Love You" (singer), and "Rock Me Gently" (both), has a brand-new CD, Happen Again, coming out tomorrow, March 30th. It is Andy's first new album in over twenty years.

Toronto’s AM740 (Zoomer Radio) is presenting Andy Kim live in concert at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday. If you live in or near Toronto, you can be one of the lucky people to see the show in person in the Concert Lobby at the radio station (on a first-come, first-served basis). They'll even let you bring your camera. Otherwise, you can listen to the whole thing on AM740 or watch the live webcast on the site.

Happen Again is available on Amazon Canada. You can visit Andy’s official website at http://www.andykimmusic.com/. And check out Andy’s MySpace page to listen to the entire album on his music player! Watch for my review of this fantastic collection shortly.

Farewell, Maestro

2010-03-28T21:40:00.000-04:00

Johnny Maestro, 07 May 1939 - 24 March 2010

Johnny Maestro was born John Mastrangelo on May 7, 1939, in Brooklyn, NY. He first rose to prominence as lead singer of The Crests, one of the first interracial recording groups (consisting of 2 black males, 1 black female, and 1 Puerto Rican in addition to Maestro). After several hits, including their biggest, "16 Candles," Maestro left the group to go solo, eventually joining The Del-Satins. The following year, 1968, The Del-Satins joined forces with a group called The Rhythm Method and became The Brooklyn Bridge (the inside joke being that their act would be "harder to sell than the Brooklyn Bridge"); their first release, "The Worst That Could Happen," became Maestro's signature tune.

Johnny Maestro passed away from cancer on March 24, 2010, in Florida. He was 70 years old.

Johnny Maestro was a singer's singer. He had one of the best set of pipes out there; he was one of the greats. By all accounts, in addition to being a very talented individual, he was a very nice person. I think it's safe to say that there will never be another like him. His passing is a tragic loss for the music world as well as for his family, friends, and many fans. Johnny, you will always be The Maestro to us. Rest in peace.

Clay Cole RRHOF Petition

2010-03-18T21:24:00.001-04:00

Hi, oldies fans,

Those of you who lived in the New York metro area during the 1960s might remember Clay Cole and his eponymous TV variety show, The Clay Cole Show, which aired from 1959 to 1968. Clay presented many of the rock and roll stars of the era on not just his television program but also on stage (i.e., the Brooklyn Paramount) and screen (Twist Around the Clock). Clay also hosted The Clay Cole Summer Show, broadcast from Palisades Amusement Park. Scores of rock and roll singers and groups appeared on Clay's shows. In 1969, at the height of the hippie movement and psychedelia, Clay walked away from the TV show and virtually disappeared for forty years (although, in reality, he was keeping busy as a writer and producer). Now, Clay has reemerged to promote his new book, Sh-Boom!: The Explosion of Rock 'n' Roll (1953-1968) and to once again host concerts (now oldies shows) in cities such as Belleville, New Jersey and St. Petersburg, Florida.

Thanks to oldies deejay Ronnie Allen and Jersey Girls Denise Ferri and Bernadette Carroll, there is now a petition to get Clay Cole inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Please visit this page on the Jersey Girls website to read all about Clay Cole's remarkable career and to sign your name to the petition. Clay not only presented the best acts in the business, he was (and remains) quite a class act himself. Please take a few moments to show your support for Clay and for the great music of the 1960s he helped bring to the world. Thank you!

46 Years Ago Today

2010-02-09T17:06:00.001-05:00

It was 46 years ago today - February 9, 1964 - when The Beatles made their historic first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. The Fab Four sang five songs on the Sullivan show - "All My Loving," "Til There Was You," "She Loves You," "I Saw Her Standing There," and "I Want to Hold Your Hand." There were fewer than 800 people in the studio audience - demand for tickets far exceeded the supply - and the show was watched by an estimated 73 million people. Were you one of them?

Jeff Barry: Jeff Barry in the Rock Hall!

2009-12-24T08:13:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to Jeff Barry and the late Ellie Greenwich for their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:

Jeff Barry: Jeff Barry in the Rock Hall!

For Ellie Greenwich, this honor is a posthumous one. Ellie, whose songwriting partnership with then-husband Jeff produced some of the world's best-known songs, passed away on August 26, 2009. Jeff, along with several of his peers (please visit the above link), will be honored at the Rock Hall induction ceremony, to take place in New York City in March of 2010. Heartfelt congratulations to Jeff (whose official fan site is an Oldies Connection "sister site") - this honor is truly well deserved.

Christmas Rocks!!!

2009-12-08T21:27:00.005-05:00

It's that time of year again ... and Christmas Rock is online and at your service, here to bring you lyrics to popular Christmas tunes as recorded by the rock and roll artists of the 1950s through 1990s and beyond. There's also a YouTube player featuring a bunch of holiday music videos - or you can click on the link to view the entire Christmas playlist on the YouTube website. Plus there are links to purchase your favorite holiday music and movies, just in time for gift giving! Christmas Rock is a fun place to visit, so kick back, grab a glass of egg nog or apple cider, and click on da link to get there!

The Oldies Connection Blog is Back!

2009-11-22T09:47:00.004-05:00

Hello, oldies fans,

After a rather long hiatus (which was mainly spent on launching various new websites and online communities as well as dealing with personal issues and a demanding day job), the Oldies Connection blog is back in action! The Oldies Connection website, which this blog supports, has never gone away; it is continually being updated with news and content. In addition, there is now an Oldies Connection Page on Facebook. The Facebook Page is mainly for posting links to videos and related sites as well as news on updates and additions to the main site. Please check it out and, if you're a Facebook member, feel free to become a fan of the page.

More articles and links coming soon on the Oldies Connection site. Stay tuned. And thanks for your support!

Ron Dante Radio Interview

2007-10-14T16:29:00.001-04:00

On October 3, 2007, Ron Dante (The Archies, The Cuff Links) was interviewed by oldies deejay Ronnie Allen for Philadelphia-area radio station WNJC. The show, which features a brief guest "appearance" by yours truly, is now online at the Jersey Girls Sing! website. To listen, please visit the site and click on the link for Ronnie's Radio Page, then scroll down to the October 3rd show. Ron's segment is the second half hour; Charlie Gracie ("Butterfly") is the first.

And while you're there, you might wanna check out some of Ronnie's other terrific interviews - such as those with The Dixie Cups (September 12), Ronnie Dove and Kathy Young (September 26), and Duane Eddy (October 10) - as well as the rest of the Jersey Girls Sing! website which is the official site for Denise Ferri (The Delicates) and Bernadette Carroll ("Party Girl") and is chock-full of photos and music and memories.

Enjoy,

Laura

His Name is Rambeau!

2007-08-06T19:11:00.001-04:00

Despite having been a co-writer on a Top Ten hit record in 1964 and enjoying a Top 40 of his own a year later, Eddie Rambeau's name has never been of the household variety. But even if you don't know his name, chances are you've seen or heard this super-talented singer and composer at some point in your life, especially if you're a Boomer like myself. Along with Bob Crewe and Bud Rehak, Eddie penned "Navy Blue" for Diane Renay, as well as her followup record, "Kiss Me, Sailor" (with Rehak). The following year, 1965, Eddie recorded a hit single of his own, "Concrete and Clay." He has appeared on television, acted on Broadway, performed on cruise ships, and is still going strong (and looking good) at age 64. To read my essay, "His Name is Rambeau," please visit the Oldies Connection website and click on the link beneath Ed's photo on the homepage.

Enjoy,
Laura

Ed Rambeau: One Note Ahead

2007-05-31T17:16:00.000-04:00

Fans of the handsome and multi-talented Eddie Rambeau ("Concrete and Clay") will enjoy S.J. Dibai's interesting, informative and highly entertaining interview with the man himself. To check it out, click on the link below:

One Note Ahead: Rambeau, Part II

Eddie also had a minor hit with "My Name is Mud," and he cowrote two Top Forty recordings for Diane Renay - "Navy Blue" and "Kiss Me, Sailor."

Ed is a performer's performer - his stage presence and phrasing are impeccable, and he puts just the right amount of emotion into every song he sings. He's also extremely good to look at! For proof, check out the video below, from one of Ed's Shindig appearances in 1965. If you're a red-blooded, heterosexual female who doesn't swoon when Ed looks directly into the camera and sings "I'll always love you, baby," then you probably should get a medical checkup!

The Dixie Cups on MySpace

2007-05-12T12:55:00.000-04:00

Remember The Dixie Cups, that lovely and talented trio from New Orleans? Of course you do. Who can forget these beautiful and talented ladies with their pristine harmonies and their string of hit records, beginning with "Chapel of Love" and culminating with "Iko Iko?" Both of these tunes remain as popular as they were back in 1964 and '65 - you almost can't go to a wedding without hearing the first song, and the second is often performed at parties and other functions where guests will "second line" while carrying umbrellas and waving handkerchiefs and various other props. The Dixie Cups themselves remain active as performers - although they stopped recording in 1966, they have never disbanded - and now they have an official page on MySpace. Please click on the link to check out their profile and enjoy the audio and video on the page - and, if you have a MySpace account, feel free to add them to your Friends list.

Jeff Barry: Jeff Barry's Birthday Card!

2007-04-01T13:41:00.000-04:00

Hi, music fans,

It's that time of year again - please click on the link below to visit my post on the Jeff Barry blog regarding Jeff's birthday, which is Tuesday, April 3rd. I've set up a special message board where fans of Jeff's can post their birthday wishes for him.

Jeff Barry: Jeff Barry's Birthday Card!

If you enjoy Jeff's music - and you probably do, even if you're not familiar with his name - please add your "signature" to his online birthday "card!" Jeff is the legendary Brill Building songwriter/producer who's responsible for dozens of hit songs including "Baby, I Love You," "Leader of the Pack," "Chapel of Love," "Sugar, Sugar" and so many more. Please help to make his birthday a memorable one!

Thanks,
Laura

Joey Dee - New Promo Video

2007-03-26T18:21:00.000-04:00

Hi, music fans,

Are you a fan of Joey Dee and The Starliters ("Peppermint Twist")? Check out this cool new promotional video for Joey Dee's All-Star Rock 'n' Roll Revue, featuring Bob Valli, original Starliter David Brigati, and Tommy Mara, formerly from The Saints, now from The Crests. (Tommy is called the Pavarotti of Doo Wop, and for good reason!) After you've watched this awesome sampling from their live show, make sure to visit Joey Dee's website and have a gander at the itinerary page - you definitely won't want to miss these guys if you've got a chance to see them in person. This is one act that never disappoints!

Enjoy the vid.

Joey Dee's All Star Rock 'n' Roll Revue

Add to My Profile More Videos

The Dixie Cups On-Air Sunday Night

2006-10-21T16:37:00.000-04:00

Doo-wop deejay Tommy R has done a phone interview with Barbara and Rosa Hawkins of The Dixie Cups, and said interview will air on his radio show Sunday night, October 22nd. The show itself broadcasts from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time and can be heard either via a link from Tommy's website, or directly at Destination DooWop.

Rapture Riders - Blondie vs. The Doors

2006-10-10T18:47:00.000-04:00

This is one of the coolest videos I've ever seen - entitled "Blondie vs. The Doors - Rapture Riders," it's a perfect fusion of Blondie's "Rapture" and The Doors' "Riders On The Storm." For more info, visit the official Blondie site.

Ron Dante Videos on MySpace!

2006-09-11T19:03:00.000-04:00

To all fans of the voice of The Archies-

Check out Ron Dante's MySpace profile page for a bunch of cool videos! Among them are a couple of vintage clips from The Archie Show and a trio of live performances from the Rhino Retrofest back in '99. After you've taken a look (and a listen) at the vids on the page, click on the "videos" link below Ron's profile picture to see even more videos of Ron from 1970, singing tunes from his then-new LP Ron Dante Brings You Up.

Below is a sampling of what's playing.

Enjoy,
Laura

A Ron Dante Birthday!

2006-08-19T23:22:00.000-04:00

Hi to all fans of the voice of The Archies,

The handsome and talented Ron Dante is having a birthday this coming Tuesday, August 22. To sign his virtual greeting card, please head on over to the special Birthday Board I've set up to commemorate the event, as I do every year (which means it probably isn't much of a surprise for him anymore - but let's keep it between us just in case!).

Feel free to make your message as brief or as heartfelt as you'd like - let Ron know how much you appreciate him. This man is not only responsible for many of my musical memories, from his work with The Archies to his years of producing with Barry Manilow, he's also one of the nicest guys out there! He deserves to be reminded how much we all love him.

Please spread the word on this; I'd like to get as many signatures as possible this year - maybe even more than a hundred. Just tell your friends, and they'll tell their friends, and so on and so on.

Thanks in advance, from Ron's biggest fan. :)

Ron Dante's "The Summer Wind"

2006-08-12T19:50:00.000-04:00

Ron Dante has uploaded his cool version of the Frank Sinatra classic "The Summer Wind" to his MySpace profile page. This track, which is from Ron's new CD, California Weekend, will be on his page for just a few weeks, at which time "California Sun" will shine again. So, check it out while you've got the chance. Just click here and enjoy!

A California Weekend With Ron Dante!

2006-08-04T17:01:00.000-04:00

Great news for all fans of the voice of The Archies - Ron Dante's newest CD, California Weekend, has just been released! For details and ordering info, please click here.

Ron's really excited about this latest offering, which features a bunch of cool summer songs including the classic Beach Boys hit "All Summer Long" - with guest vocalists Bruce Johnston and The Beach Boys themselves!

To hear an audio clip of one of the tracks, "California Sun," please stop by Ron's MySpace profile. And while you're there, if you're a MySpace member, why not add him as a friend and subscribe to his blog, which Ron updates often.

Congrats to Ron on this latest CD release ... I know I'm sure looking forward to getting my copy!

The Archies' Debut Album on CD!

2006-07-29T10:06:00.000-04:00

Great news for fans of The Archies - the group's self-titled debut LP from 1968 is now on CD! Released by the Repertoire label, the CD features all twelve of the original tracks plus two bonus cuts. The Archies, produced by Jeff Barry (who also wrote most of the songs) with lead vocals by Ron Dante, is actually considered a soundtrack album of sorts, all of its cuts having made their world premiere on The Archie Show during the Saturday morning cartoon series' first season on CBS. Go to Laura's Ron Dante Fan Pages or the Jeff Barry fansite (link above) for the direct link to the product page on Amazon.com, where you can read up on the CD details and order your very own copy!

Jeff Barry: Performing Songwriter Magazine

2006-07-18T17:46:00.000-04:00

The current (July/August 2006) issue of Performing Songwriter Magazine has a cool article called "Bands on the Rerun," which spotlights The Monkees, The Archies, The Banana Splits, and The Partridge Family. Included are interviews with Jeff Barry, Bobby Hart, David Cassidy, and Davy Jones (quite an eye-opener, that one). Check out the Jeff Barry blogpost (link below) for info on where to get your copy.

Jeff Barry: Performing Songwriter Magazine

Also in this issue is a profile on Ray Davies from The Kinks and the story behind the authorship of the song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."

Ron Dante on MySpace

2006-07-05T16:32:00.000-04:00

The voice of The Archies now has an official MySpace presence! Click here to visit Ron Dante's pro page - and if you have a MySpace account, add Ron as a friend while you're there. :)

The Dixie Cups Concert Appearance

2006-07-04T20:57:00.000-04:00

The Dixie Cups, the lovely New Orleans ladies best known for the hit song "Chapel of Love," will be appearing at the 2006 Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, DC on Saturday, July 8th. Click on the link for info.

Happy birthday, Joey Dee!

2006-06-11T17:47:00.001-04:00

Joey Dee (of Joey Dee and The Starliters fame) was born on this date in 1940 in Passaic, New Jersey. A big Happy 66th to the Peppermint Twister himself, shown above left with fellow Starliters David Brigati, center, and Bob Valli, right, in a photo from the group's appearance at Safety Harbor (Florida) Marina in March of 2006. To see three album's worth of Starliters concert pix, go to my Photosite homepage where you'll find the rest of the pix from Safety Harbor plus a bunch from Storman's Nightclub in Clearwater, FL (Wind Beneath My Wings 2006) from this past February, and Largo, FL from April. Have a great birthday, Joseph!

Wine and Orlando

2006-06-09T19:46:00.000-04:00

Handsome and talented 1970's singing sensation Tony Orlando (of Dawn) recently appeared at Disney World's EPCOT in Orlando, Florida - yes, you read right, Orlando performed in Orlando - for three days as part of the center's annual Flower Power concert series. Joining Tony O was the lovely and talented Toni Wine (of The Archies), on vocals and keyboards. Along with Irwin Levine, Toni Wine wrote "Candida," the first single for Dawn, in 1970, before the group's name was formally expanded to Tony Orlando and Dawn; Toni also cowrote "A Groovy Kind of Love," the Mindbenders hit, with Carole Bayer Sager. Toni can be heard singing backgrounds on a variety of tracks including "It Hurts To Be In Love" by Gene Pitney and "Always On My Mind" by Willie Nelson, but she's probably best known as the female voice of The Archies; she shared lead vocals with Ron Dante on the group's megahit "Sugar, Sugar" in 1969. In addition to "Candida," Tony Orlando and Dawn had hits with "Knock Three Times" and "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree." Tony and Toni appear together in concert at venues all over the U.S. For info, check out the itinerary on their websites.

To see the photos I took at Tony's first two shows at EPCOT on May 30, 2006, please visit my Photosite album.

The Dixie Cups Fansite Updates

2006-05-21T09:38:00.000-04:00

The official fan site for The Dixie Cups has just been updated! Check out the new Merchandise Page, where you can purchase items such as photos and CDs personally autographed by the ladies themselves; and the newly expanded Photo Gallery featuring a bunch of never-before-seen backstage photos from The Dixie Cups' appearance at the Hurricane Katrina benefit concert at New York City's Madison Square Garden in September 2005.

Also, while you're checking out the site, don't forget to sign the Guestbook; and feel free to post comments or questions for The Dixie Cups on the official message board. All links are on the homepage.

Bubblegum U

2006-05-13T15:28:00.000-04:00

Hey oldies fans,

Check out the newest website from the folks at Scram Magazine - the comprehensive and educational Bubblegum University! Find a comfy chair and bring food 'cause you're gonna want to visit here awhile. They've got the lowdown on everyone from Ron Dante to Jeff Barry to Joey Levine. Take a look at it!

The Dixie Cups - Official Fan Site

2006-04-11T19:10:00.000-04:00

For fans of the delightful New Orleans trio who brought the world such tunes as "People Say," "Iko Iko," and the #1 smash hit "Chapel of Love," Oldies Connection is proud to present The Dixie Cups: The Official Fan Site!

This brand-new tribute site will evolve with new additions and content including more photos and possibly a Merchandise page and message board. So don't forget to bookmark the site and check back often.

The Neil Brian Goldberg Story

2006-04-08T12:29:00.000-04:00

New on Oldies Connection - Neil Brian Goldberg!

Even if you don't know his name, you know his work. Neil Goldberg has written tunes for a diversity of artists like The Monkees, The Archies, Tom Jones, and Robin McNamara. One of the most prolific of the Jeff Barry-run Steed Records' stable of tunesmiths, Neil Goldberg talks about his interesting, peripatetic and multifaceted life and career in Do It In The Name of Love: The Neil Brian Goldberg Story, by Don Charles. Just follow the link from the Oldies Connection homepage.

A Jeff Barry Birthday

2006-03-30T21:19:00.000-05:00

Anybody who's ever grooved to songs like "Baby, I Love You," "(And) Then He Kissed Me," "Hanky Panky," "Da Doo Ron Ron," "Chapel of Love," "Leader of the Pack" and "I Honestly Love You" is already familiar with the work of legendary Brill Building songwriter-producer Jeff Barry. Born in Brooklyn, New York on April 3, 1938, Jeff was one of the pioneers of the Girl Group sound in the early- to mid-1960's, penning dozens of songs with then-wife Ellie Greenwich and Wall of Sound producer Phil Spector. Jeff would go on to produce hits such as "I'm a Believer" by The Monkees and "Sugar, Sugar" by The Archies. "Sugar, Sugar," which was written by Jeff with Andy Kim, sailed up the U.S. charts to the #1 spot and became the RIAA Record of the Year for 1969.

In honor of Jeff's forthcoming birthday, I've set up a special QuickTopic message board for friends and fans to post their birthday greetings. If you'd like to add your birthday wishes for Jeff, please click here.

Board registration is not required to post.

Bubblegum Achievement Awards DVD Release

2006-03-29T19:25:00.000-05:00

Attention Bubblegum Music fans!

For info on ordering a DVD of Scram Magazine's 2005 Bubblegum Achievement Awards, which includes performances by Ron Dante and Toni Wine among others, visit this page:

Lost in the Grooves: Bubblegum Achievement Awards DVD Release

Long live Bubblegum!!!!!!!

They say there's 'Always Magic in the Air'

2006-03-12T16:53:00.000-05:00

For a thorough, entertaining, and thoroughly entertaining look into the careers and lives of seven powerhouse songwriting teams from New York City's Brill Building, located at 1619 Broadway, and its near neighbor at 1650 Broadway, pick up a copy of Ken Emerson's Always Magic in the Air: The Bomp and Brilliance of the Brill Building Era. Always Magic in the Air (its title taken from a line in the song "On Broadway," which was written by four of the scribes - Leiber, Stoller, Mann and Weil - profiled in the book) is not just an autobiography of fourteen people but a wealth of information on the history of rock and roll, particularly the heavily Latin-influenced sounds that emanated from the Brill courtesy of its young staff songwriters. In addition to the teams of Jerry Leiber/Mike Stoller and Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil, the dynamic duos portrayed in Always Magic... are Doc Pomus/Mort Shuman, Burt Bacharach/Hal David, Neil Sedaka/Howard Greenfield, Gerry Goffin/Carole King, and Jeff Barry/Ellie Greenwich.

To read my review on the book, click on the link below:

Stuff 'n' Laura's Pop Culture Cantina: Mad Hot Book Review #1

And to visit my dedicated page for the book which includes some words by both myself and author Ken Emerson as well as links to various online reviews, the product page on Amazon.com, a couple of archived radio interviews with the author, and a message board for people to post their comments about the book, go here:

Always Magic in the Air: The Bomp and Brilliance of the Brill Building Era

Happy reading!

More Joey Dee and The Starliters Pix!

2006-03-11T20:38:00.000-05:00

The lovely and talented Joey Dee and The Starliters (OK, so they're not all that "lovely" but they are good to look at - and listen to!) put on their usual great show at the Safety Harbor (Florida) Marina on Sunday, March 5, 2006, wrapping up the two-day Harbor Sounds food and music fest. To see photos of Joey Dee and fellow group members David Brigati (an original Starliter and brother of Eddie Brigati from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees The Young Rascals), at left in the above pic, and Bob Valli (sibling to Frankie of 4 Seasons fame), right, visit Classic Pop Music Concert Pix and click on the appropriate link on the homepage.

On My Mind: Ron Dante Part 7 Concert Review

2006-03-08T17:42:00.000-05:00

Here is Part 7 of the Forgotten Hits series on Ron Dante as posted by Rick Phillips:

On My Mind: Ron Dante Part 7 Forgotten Hits Concert Review

Seeing as how this installment includes a review of the concert Ron Dante did along with Andy Kim at the Riviera Hotel back in September of 2003, may as well have some photos to go along with it - click here to see 'em on my fan pages.

Happy reading!

On My Mind: Ron Dante interview Part 6

2006-03-07T17:17:00.000-05:00

Below is the link to part 6 of the Forgotten Hits Ron Dante interview from Rick Phillips' blog, "On My Mind":

On My Mind: Ron Dante Forgotten Hits interview Part 6

I know I'm a day or two late posting this link - sorry 'bout that. Sometimes I have one idea what I want to do and my computer has another.

Enjoy,
Laura

Joey Dee and The Starliters

2006-03-04T12:01:00.000-05:00

The name of the dance is the Peppermint Twist! To see recent photos of the legendary Joey Dee and The Starliters performing this and several other hits, go to my Classic Pop Music Concert Pix pages and click on the link for Wind Beneath My Wings 2006.

(Above, left to right: Dave Brigati, Joey Dee, and Bobby Valli)

On My Mind: Ron Dante Interview Part 5

2006-03-04T10:44:00.000-05:00

Here's the link to Part 5 of the Ron Dante Forgotten Hits interview as published on Rick Phillips' blog, "On My Mind."

On My Mind: Ron Dante Forgotten Hits interview Part 5

Don't forget to visit Ron Dante Online to learn what's new with Ron and to look at his concert itinerary to see whether Ron will be appearing near you!

Other cool places to visit: The official Jeff Barry blog, and Stuff 'n' Laura's Pop Culture Cantina!

Jack Wild Dead at 53

2006-03-02T19:16:00.000-05:00

Jack Wild, who shot to fame as the Artful Dodger in the 1967 movie musical Oliver! and who went on to star in the children's TV series H.R. Pufnstuf, has died at the age of 53. Wild had been fighting mouth cancer since 2000.

For details, visit this page.

On My Mind: Ron Dante Interview Part 4

2006-03-02T12:10:00.000-05:00

Here's the link to Part 4 of the Forgotten Hits interview with Ron Dante, as reproduced on "On My Mind":

On My Mind: Ron Dante Forgotten Hits Interview Part 4

Enjoy!

On My Mind: Ron Dante Interview Part 3

2006-02-28T17:51:00.000-05:00

Part 3 of the Forgotten Hits Ron Dante interview, courtesy of Rick Phillips:

On My Mind: Ron Dante Forgotten Hits Interview

Enjoy!

P.S. Don't forget to check out Laura's Ron Dante Fan Pages - lots of info and pix!

On My Mind: Ron Dante Interview Part 2

2006-02-27T20:35:00.000-05:00

As promised, here is the link to Part 2 of the Forgotten Hits interview with Ron Dante, republished on Rick Phillips' blog, On My Mind: Ron Dante Interview Part 2

If you've not yet checked out Part 1, scroll down a couple of posts for the link to that one. You'll find it beneath the large color headshot of Ron.

Enjoy!

Stuff 'n' Laura's Pop Culture Cantina: The Archies, Part Two

2006-02-26T20:36:00.000-05:00

For the second half of Don Charles' cool essay on everyone's favorite Saturday morning animated musical group, The Archies, go to Stuff 'n' Laura's Pop Culture Cantina: The Archies, Part Two and read "Sweet Saturday Morning: Neil Goldberg, The Archies, and the Politics of Children's Music" by Don "Stuffed Animal" Charles and Andy Bishop. Lots of excellent behind-the scenes info plus notes on the unreleased Archies tunes featured in Archie's Funhouse.

On My Mind: Forgotten Hits Ron Dante interview Part 1

2006-02-26T10:54:00.000-05:00

Here's a cool interview with Ron Dante by Forgotten Hits, reproduced on Rick Phillips' blog "On My Mind" last month:

On My Mind: Forgotten Hits Ron Dante interview Part 1

Links to interview parts 2 through 7 will be posted here later this coming week.

Enjoy,
Laura

Stuff 'n' Laura's Pop Culture Cantina: The Archies, Part One

2006-02-25T20:34:00.000-05:00

For folks who want a comprehensive look into the major players of The Archies, this article is a must-read! "Big Noise From Riverdale: The Untold History of The Archies," by Don "Stuffed Animal" Charles, is chock-full of interesting and well documented behind-the-scenes info on the animated group that brought the world 1969's RIAA Record of the Year - "Sugar, Sugar" - and the real-life people behind the sounds. Music supervisor Don Kirshner, producer Jeff Barry and lead singer Ron Dante are among those discussed. Click to visit Stuff 'n' Laura's Pop Culture Cantina: The Archies, Part One .

Ready, Front: Sweet Genius!

2006-02-21T18:18:00.000-05:00

Here's a review of a show called "Hit Factory" that was performed in Chicago the night of February 20. "Hit Factory" pays tribute to the great Brill Building songwriting teams like Gerry Goffin/Carole King, Burt Bacharach/Hal David, and, yeah, Jeff Barry/Ellie Greenwich. To check it out, just click on Ready, Front: Sweet Genius!

The Archies

2006-02-20T17:29:00.000-05:00

Check out the February 19 post on The World Of Kane - cool writeup and info on The Archies, with links to sites on its major players (including several of my own sites).

The Dixie Cups to appear at Harrah's New Orleans

2006-02-18T10:21:00.000-05:00

The lovely and talented Dixie Cups (pictured above at a Tampa, Florida appearance in November 2005) will be performing at Harrah's New Orleans Casino on Friday, February 24, 2006. The Dixie Cups, whose current lineup includes original members Barbara and Rosa Hawkins with Athelgra Neville, are best known for their 60's hits "Chapel of Love," "People Say," and "Iko Iko."

"Sugar, Sugar" Inducted Into Canadian Songwriters HOF

2006-02-11T10:03:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Montreal native Andy Kim on his "Sugar, Sugar," being inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame this past Sunday, February 5, 2006. Andy was on hand at the black-tie gala to perform the tune, which was a #1 smash hit for The Archies in 1969 and garnered a gold record and RIAA Record of the Year honors. Andy co-wrote the tune with Archies producer and main composer Jeff Barry. Contrary to some reports, however, it was not Andy singing on the Archies single but rather Ron Dante (above left, with Andy), who was the lead vocalist for the group.

Andy and Ron are performing together tonight (February 11) at the Lake of The Torches Resort & Casino in Wisconsin, along with Bo Donaldson & The Heywoods. Have a great show, guys!

Stuff 'n' Laura's Pop Culture Cantina

2006-02-02T19:11:00.000-05:00

Check out our new hangout, Stuff 'n' Laura's Pop Culture Cantina! Your hosts - Don "Stuffed Animal" Charles and yours truly, Laura Pinto. Everything that's cool and groovy is covered here, from Ann-Margret to El Vez, from Jeff Barry to Ron Dante to Dusty Springfield. Grab a bite to eat, pull up a chair, and visit a spell. Open 24 hours.

Jeff Barry - The Man and His Music

2006-02-01T19:51:00.000-05:00

Jeff Barry
Originally uploaded by laurapinto.

Jeff Barry: The Man and His Music

Jeff Barry has been a major force in the music business since rock and roll's Golden Era, when New York's Brill Building churned out young talent and hit records by the dozens ... when girl groups in miniskirts and teased beehive hairdos were all the rage, and when rock and roll music was actually melodic, with lyrics young people could understand and relate to.

Jeff Barry's first Top Ten song was "Tell Laura I Love Her." Ray Peterson recorded it, and the song reached #7 on the U.S. Billboard charts in 1960, instantly propelling Jeff Barry to the status of hit songwriter. Barry would go on to write dozens of hit songs for artists such as Darlene Love, The Crystals, The Ronettes, The Shangri-La's, The Dixie Cups, Bobby Bloom, Andy Kim, Tommy James and The Shondells, Manfred Mann, The Beach Boys, and Olivia Newton-John. He'd work alongside the likes of Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller, Don Kirshner and Phil Spector. He'd produce for artists such as Neil Diamond, Dusty Springfield, The Drifters, The McCoys, Sha-Na-Na, John Travolta, Lisa Hartman Black, The Monkees, and The Archies. He'd compose for movies (The Idolmaker), television ("The Jeffersons," "Family Ties") and Broadway (The Boy from Oz).

This web site is a loving tribute to one of the most successful and prolific writer/producers in the history of popular music. Don "Stuffed Animal" Charles (who researched and compiled the biography and musical credits on the site) and Laura "Pineapple Princess" Pinto crafted this gift to the man we call The Godfather of Rock and Roll. From "I Honestly Love You" (composer) to "I'm a Believer" (producer) to "Sugar, Sugar" (both) . . . from pop songs with simple lyrics and simple melodic lines to country/western, gospel and reggae. . . to the joyful sounds of hands clapping, the frenzied shaking of tambourines and the infectious rhythms of a steel drum . . . Jeff Barry's role in 20th century music cannot be overstated, and his influence in our everyday lives is indisputable.